Temple’s OC talks of depth at RB & WR

Temple entered the offseason looking for improvement offense and with that the goal was to spruce up the running back and wide receiver positions. Early in camp, the depth at both positions has been impressive.

"I have never in my life been this deep at wide receiver and running back," Temple offensive coordinator and running backs coach Marcus Satterfield said. "We have 13 to 15 receivers in camp and not all of them can play this year and not all of them will."

The list is headed by Robby Anderson, returning after being academically eligible last year and Adonis Jennings, who is immediately eligible after transferring from Pitt. In addition, redshirt freshman Ventrell Bryant, was among the most impressive players in the spring. Senior John Christopher is experienced in the slot. Romond Deloatch was tied for fourth last season in receptions with 14. And there are others knocking on the door.

Satterfield also has a deep list of running backs.

Coach Matt Rhule said before camp, that he didn't want to have a running back by committee and was hoping to have two do most of the heavy lifting.

Jahad Thomas was the leading rusher last season and is the favorite to remain the starter. David Hood is a redshirt freshman who has impressed early in camp. Zaire Williams is very much in the mix after missing most of last season with a back injury.

And then there are three freshmen, T.J. Simmons, Jager Gardner and Ryquell Armstead, who all could have one role or another. Satterfield said that the youngsters will get plenty of looks in scrimmages, simply because he knows more of what the others can do.

"Ryquelle Armstead has had a great camp so far and it is still early," Satterfield said. "We will keep adding so he has to take it, learn it and now slow down."

As for Gardner and Simmons, Satterfield said, "Jager Gardner and T.J. Simmons both have shown flashes of having physical capabilities and being really good players who could help us this year. All three of them should be trying to be on every special team and be great at that."

And who knows, it could be more than special teams for the youngsters, although the veterans aren't going to easily relinquish any time.

"It is really exciting to coach running backs here now because there is great competition and that is all you can ask for," Satterfield said. "If you are not producing, there are five more looking at you like they want the ball."